Stand-up comedian Pritish Narula has a simple take on life - he believes if one does not evolve, one becomes a dinosaur!
Gurnaaz
Laughter truly is the best medicine and, Pritish Narula, a stand-up comic from Chandigarh, is living proof of that mantra. With a captivating blend of humour and heartfelt storytelling, he has been making audiences laugh across Canada, Australia and beyond. Currently on a trip to Australia, his talk show Sounds Good was launched on October 18.
As we dive into his journey, we uncover not just the laughs but also the struggles and sacrifices he has faced along the way. So what’s the essence of his craft? “It takes a lot of stage time. There are a lot of hits and misses, and constant refinement of the content. It's a continuous process, and we keep working on it. Eventually, something good comes out of it.” This dedication highlights the persistence required to succeed in stand-up, where every performance is a learning experience.
The pressure to entertain large crowds is immense, but Narula navigates it with a seasoned perspective. He explains, “When I’m on stage, that’s my world for that time. The audience is there, and, honestly, I block out everything else.” For him, the stage transforms into a personal realm where he experiences instant validation, “If your joke lands well, you know it immediately.”
What happens when a joke does not? Narula reflects, “Then you go back and work on it. You keep reworking the joke, adding things, and taking things away until it feels right.” He explains that failure is not the end; instead, it’s an opportunity for growth and refinement. "For example, if I perform a one-and-a-half-hour show today some jokes will land while others won’t. Audiences are always different,” he notes.
Pritish’s journey into comedy was not immediate. He has worn many hats —banker, theatre artiste, and entrepreneur — before discovering his passion. “Stand-up is a relatively new art form that I’ve discovered. I’ve always loved the stage, it gives me a high,” he shares. This high is intoxicating, and, once tasted, it becomes a craving. He recalls a pivotal moment in his life. “After doing comedy off and on for two years or so, in 2019 I quit comedy altogether and only started again in 2022.”
His decision to return to stand-up was not made lightly. He explains, “If you want to be successful in art, you can’t do anything else. People talk about multitasking, but it’s not feasible.” The commitment to his craft often means sacrificing comfort, as he admits to averaging only ‘two-three hours of sleep a night’.
Despite the challenges, Pritish feels grateful for the opportunities he has. “I get to travel, meet new people, and the best part is that I have the freedom to create what I want,” he expresses with joy. This love and support from audiences serve as motivation, even when he questions whether he deserves it.
Reflecting on the nature of success, he states, “I think I’m prioritising myself. I’m important right now, and in that sense, it’s selfish but I want to fully live this time.” This self-awareness allows him to navigate the ups and downs of popularity with grace, understanding that in the entertainment industry, “No one stays popular forever.”
As he continues to evolve, Narula acknowledges the rise of new talent in the comedy scene. “I know that tomorrow someone else will come along... But at my age, it’s easier for me to understand that this is a part of life. Had it been me 10 years back, I am not sure if I could have taken it this well," he says, revealing a mature outlook towards the industry.
He cites fellow comedians who inspire him, like Amit Tandon, whom he admires for reinventing himself with time. “He’s on a level that many of us dream of... If you don’t evolve, you become a dinosaur,” he warns.
The landscape of comedy in India is changing rapidly and Pritish sees this as an opportunity rather than a threat. “Comedy has really taken off, and it’s growing so fast,” he notes, underscoring the influx of new audiences discovering humour through digital platforms.
